An American actor born on September 30, Michael Dempsey became part of Guiding Light as Alan-Michael Spaulding shortly after playing the role of Tom Joad in PBS' The Grapes of Wrath. This native of Boston, Massachusetts has appeared on several independent films throughout his career. He has also been seen on other television shows, such as the soap opera, One Life to Live. Dempsey is, however, best known for playing Alan-Michael Spaulding, who was raised by his mother after his parents’ divorce. Upon getting the role, the actor said that it was a huge adjustment for him. He was used to working in the theater, and he claimed that acting on television was like learning a new skill. When he started out on the series in November 2005, he was a proud father to his child, then only six months old. In 2007, he left Guiding Light because it was stated the his character was unpopular with fans.
Michael Dempsey’s credits also span the realm of theater. He became critically acclaimed for his many portrayals, especially that of the title character in Mr. Roberts. He performed this at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in addition to his other credentials. Some of his other stage performances are Long Day’s Journey Into Night, John Brown Now, Women and Criminals, The Winter’s Tale, The Matchmaker, and The Cherry Orchard. He was educated at UC Berkeley and has studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
In 2008, he was cast as Barry in the short film Beg, Borrow, Steal. Directed by Kel O’Neill, it also stars Eline Jongsma. When not acting, Michael Dempsey enjoys listening to music and working out. He also likes going to the movies and watching theater performances. Dempsey is known for his fondness for boxing and aikido as well.
(Photo courtesy of CBS.com)